Needless to say, she had no idea that he was only the first of several to come in the next few years. My son certainly has shown  through the years that being an only child was not something he was going to  have his children experience. Even as a tiny tot he  was not enamored with the idea of being the only one  and a brother or sister always headed the list of desired gifts from Santa. He never quite understood that  Santa wouldn't be able to fulfill that request although much time was spent each year as Christmas approached explaining that some families  were not fortunate enough to be blessed with  more than one child and that we were one of those families. He didn't ever buy the argument that this made him a lucky one as he would always be number one with Mommy and Daddy. Through the years he has certainly done his part to assure that his children would not suffer such a fate !

The reality of this modern world dictates that families have become smaller as in many cases both parents must follow a different path than that followed in years gone by as a two family income is so often necessary  in order to adequately provide for our children.  Although this was not the reason for our only having the one child, and we would dearly have loved a larger family, medical reasons made this  impossible.

There are families of course which place a greater emphasis on  the quality of family life than on success as perceived by so many. Although unable to always follow that admirable plan  nevertheless I have always regretted not being able to do so. It is my opinion  that all the luxuries which money can provide will never ever replace the  closeness and happiness experienced by a strong loving bond between brothers and sisters and the love which is in a home where Mommy is there to welcome them with a snack and an eager wish to hear about their day when the children come home from school.
 

Life isn't always fair however and events dictate  that sometimes despite all our planning we must do other than we would  wish in order to provide necessities for our families. It is still possible to maintain the family unit as a cherished entity however with planning and foresight. Always reinforcing the closeness which will  sustain us throughout our lifetimes. For no other relationships will ever replace those nurtured  between brothers and sisters.

Unfortunately in this modern world  with all it's pressures family has all too often paid  the price as commitment and vows have become less important to so many. So many children find themselves with divided loyalties as Mommy and Daddy  forget that commitment includes sacrifice and compromise and see divorce as a viable solution when problems arise. Of course, there are situations where this is  absolutely imperative but all too often it is simply  running away when life becomes difficult. We can't run away from problems... they manage to  come right along with us. Why don't we see this until it's too late ?

 One of the saddest consequences of such a situation is that the communication with the extended family  too often suffers because of the changes made in the family unit. It is then that the bond between brothers and sisters becomes even more important and the continuity of such relationships takes on even more significance as the years pass.

The innocence of little children ... how blessed we are if we are allowed to observe and help to protect that innocence. All too often, as the years pass, life will rob those sweet  innocents of their illusions ... God willing, time will not also rob them of the joy of the relationship enjoyed as children with their brothers and sisters  for few other relationships will ever mean as much.

Family is so important as a means of connection with our past and our future, never more so than in this new century when the demands of just coping with life can be so difficult at times. Having brothers and sisters in our lives with whom we can  remember those days when life was less serious and we had fewer responsibilities can be a heaven sent respite when most needed and to be able to  recall those childhood days together whether it be sad times or happy and carefree moments makes family gatherings so much more meaningful.

No one is ever born alone. Everyone has had the experience of sharing  the bond of family,  and for many people it is a bond  that will follow them throughout their lives and will remain the most  important bond of all.  One's feelings of  self worth flourish in an atmosphere where individual differences are recognized, mistakes are allowed, communication is open and rules  are flexible, as is always the case in a family where love and mutual respect abound.

A sister or brother is someone to laugh with and to share work and play. They are someone who is there to help in the rough times and who always seem to know when you need a warm smile. They are someone  who will quietly listen  when you just want to talk for awhile or someone to offer a hug when you need it most.  A brother or sister is someone who is always a part of all the favorite memories that you keep very close to your heart and can be the best friend you will ever have  throughout your lifetime.

 A link to your past and  a travelling companion to your future ... and there for the duration. Pretty difficult combination to beat  wouldn't you agree ? And a valued combination we should always cherish and protect, and most of all appreciate.